Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dissolved the opposition-led parliament, initiating plans for a snap legislative election.
This move comes just six months after Faye’s election on an anti-establishment platform, promising systemic reforms. The new elections are set for November 17.
In a televised address, Faye explained his decision, asking voters for a mandate to carry out the “systemic transformation” he had promised. His party, PASTEF, is expected to perform well, given Faye’s popularity and the 54% vote share he secured in March’s presidential election.
However, opposition leaders, including those from the Benno Bokk Yaakar coalition led by former President Macky Sall, criticized the dissolution, accusing Faye of acting under false pretenses and labeling the move as “perjury.” Faye, at 44, became Africa’s youngest elected leader after winning the presidential election in March, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among Senegal’s youth with the nation’s direction.
During his campaign, Faye pledged to fight corruption, reform fishing permits, and ensure a greater share of Senegal’s natural resources went to the people. However, six months into his presidency, these reforms have yet to materialize. Faye and his prime minister, Ousmane Sonko, blame the parliament for stalling progress, as PASTEF does not hold a majority in the assembly.
Earlier tensions between the government and parliament were evident when the opposition canceled a budgetary debate in June over procedural disagreements. With the parliament now dissolved, the political landscape is poised for change, though analysts warn that the new elections may create difficulties in meeting critical legislative deadlines, such as approving the national budget for 2025.
Senegal, a country often seen as a model of democratic stability in West Africa, has faced political unrest in recent years, including protests during Faye’s election campaign and concerns over the country’s economic situation, with inflation and youth unemployment at the forefront.
The Associated Press, Al Jazeera, BBC contributed to this report.
